LB01

Jeremiah Attaochu

OLB Georgia Tech

Grade

Overview

2013: Third-team AP All-American and second-team All-ACC selection. Started all 13 games at defensive end, and posted 10.5 sacks in last six games including four against Georgia. Moved from a 3-4 linebacker to 4-3 defensive end before season. 2012: Honorable mention All-ACC pick. Started 13 games, but missed Middle Tennessee State game due to injury. 2011: Honorable mention All-ACC selection. Played in 11 games with 10 starts. Missed the Maryland and Virginia games due to a lower leg injury. 2010: Played in 12 games and started the Independence Bowl against Air Force. Misc.: Born in Ibadan, Nigeria. Started playing football as a freshman in high school because, "I got tired of just watching it."

Analysis

Strengths

Good burst off the snap. Heats up the edge and runs the arc. Quick inside move. Disruptive ability. Motor runs hot -- keeps coming after the quarterback and chases hard from the back side. Moves well laterally and can zone drop. Has experience in even and odd fronts, having played defensive end and stand-up linebacker. Power-leverage potential. Mature and intelligent. Cares about the game and prepares like a pro. Arrow pointing up (will be a 21-year-old rookie).

Weaknesses

Lacks elite length, athleticism and top-end speed. Needs to get stronger. Gets knocked around at the point of attack. Controlled by larger blockers when they get their hands on him. Still developing pop and violence in his hands. Still learning to incorporate power into his rush (more effortful than powerful). Needs to cultivate his pass-rush arsenal.

Draft Projection

Rounds 3-4

Bottom Line

Georgia Tech’s all-time sack leader, Attaochu is a Nigerian-born, young, heady, disruptive, relentless edge rusher who profiles as 3-4 right outside linebacker. Should interview well, and has the look of a trustworthy, long-term starter given his pass-rush ability, motor and makeup.
-Nolan Nawrocki